About 5 million Australians will see a small increase to their welfare payments from this Saturday as part of regular indexation. The increase is automatically linked to changes in the consumer price index, designed to help welfare recipients keep up with inflation.
From Saturday, youth allowance will rise to $1,027.70 a fortnight, while jobseeker payments will increase to $793.60 a fortnight. The changes apply to a range of payments including the pension and other allowances.
However, advocates warn that the increase will do little to help those living on the poverty line, as the rise is modest and many recipients still struggle to meet basic costs.
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